Saudi Olympic Committee president attends 19th Asian Games esports competition

Saudi Olympic Committee president attends 19th Asian Games esports competition
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The Saudi handball team missed the chance to qualify to the second round after tying 23-23 with Iran that qualified along with Japan from the group. (Supplied)
Saudi Olympic Committee president attends 19th Asian Games esports competition
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The Saudi U-23 football team trained for the last time ahead of their match against India in the 16th round on Thursday. (Supplied)
Saudi Olympic Committee president attends 19th Asian Games esports competition
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Hisham Al-Dukhi and Mohamed Al-Suwaik have exited the Asian Games in the quarter-finals of the taekwondo competitions after losing to China and the Philippines on Wednesday. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 September 2023
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Saudi Olympic Committee president attends 19th Asian Games esports competition

Saudi Olympic Committee president attends 19th Asian Games esports competition
  • Saudi handball team misses chance to qualify for 2nd round after 23-23 draw with Iran, which qualified along with Japan from the group
  • Table tennis players Ali Al-Khadrawi and Turki Al-Mutairi qualify for 32nd round in singles competition

HANGZHOU, China: Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee president, who is leading the Kingdom’s delegation to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, on Wednesday attended the Saudi team’s esports competition.
The Saudi team reached the quarterfinals of the League of Legends game in the esports stadium, where they lost 0-2 to the Korean team.
Committee Vice President Prince Fahd bin Jalawi attended the Saudi handball team’s game against Iran as part of the handball competition group stage.
The Saudi team missed the chance to qualify for the second round after a 23-23 draw with Iran, which qualified along with Japan from the group.
A total of 193 Saudi athletes will compete in 19 sports at the Asian Games, which conclude Oct. 8.

Table tennis
Ali Al-Khadrawi and Turki Al-Mutairi qualified for the 32nd round in the singles competition after winning their 64th-round matches on Wednesday.
Al-Khadrawi defeated his Pakistani opponent 4-1, while Al-Mutairi beat a Mongolian rival 4-3.

Equestrian
Saudi rider Samantha Saifi concluded the qualifying round of the dressage competition, scoring 57.706 points in the second round of the competition on Wednesday. Saifi had previously scored 57.617 points in the competition on Tuesday, claiming 29th place in the overall standings.

Shooting
Prince Saud Al-Saud, Hatem Al-Shammari and Saed Al-Mutairi, who are representing Saudi Arabia in the shooting competitions, concluded their participation in the individual shotgun.
Al-Shammari finished 21st in the overall standings with a score of 116 out of 125, while Al-Mutairi ranked 25th with a score of 113. Prince Saud ranked 25th with a score of 113.

Taekwondo
Hisham Al-Dukhi and Mohammed Al-Suwaik exited the games in the quarterfinals of the taekwondo competitions after losing to China and the Philippines, respectively, on Wednesday.
Al-Dukhi defeated his Iraqi opponent Hussein Al-Lami 2-1 in the 32nd round before losing against China’s Chenming Xiao in the 16th round of the U-68 kg weight category. Al-Suwaik departed in the quarterfinals of the U-80 kg weight category.

Football
The Saudi U-23 football team trained for the last time ahead of their match against India in the 16th round on Thursday. National coach Saad Al-Shehri led the training session, which included fitness recovery exercises, a midfield mini-match, shooting practice and stretching exercises.


Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday

Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday
Updated 04 September 2024
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Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday

Eastern Region Hockey Championship gets underway Thursday
  • Six teams will go head-to-head in two-day event in Dammam

JEDDAH: Six teams and 60 players will compete in the Eastern Region Hockey Championship at the Sport Dome in Dammam.
The two-day event, which opens on Thursday, is being organized under the supervision of the Saudi Hockey Federation, which last month staged the Bahah Region Hockey Championship for men and women.
The federation said it was committed to organizing competitive events and raising the sport’s profile across the Kingdom.


Experts explore intersection of culture, creativity at NGSC Riyadh

Experts in an NGSC panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games”. AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shulhub
Experts in an NGSC panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games”. AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shulhub
Updated 26 August 2024
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Experts explore intersection of culture, creativity at NGSC Riyadh

Experts in an NGSC panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games”. AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shulhub
  • The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion

Riyadh: People are more likely to invest in things they feel connected to, according to the founder and president of Works Collective, Nate Morley, speaking on a panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games” on the second day of the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh.

The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion. They explored the impact of cultural influence on creative industries and emphasized the need to balance cultural authenticity with commercial success.

Je Alipio, director and head of business development at Walt Disney Co. for APAC & MENA, discussed how Disney innovates while maintaining the integrity of its beloved characters and stories.

“It’s really about finding the right partner,” he said, noting that collaborating with like-minded creatives who bring fresh ideas can unlock many opportunities.

Alipio also outlined two approaches to business collaboration: a top-down method, where Disney enters a partner’s space to inform or influence it, and a bottom-up approach, where partners are empowered to expand their ideas on a larger scale under Disney’s guidance.

Khaled Makhshoush, a Saudi artist specializing in digital pixel art, began his career inspired by video games. He discussed the cultural elements featured in his work and how he draws inspiration from his surroundings. “You start to see things — the places you grow up in, the city … that’s the main source of cultural inspiration.”

Makhshoush noted that when creating an image, his focus is not on accuracy but on conveying emotion. By “breaking it down and then rebuilding it” based on his interpretation, he fosters a connection between personal and cultural elements.

In discussing how to create culturally authentic gaming experiences, Morley remarked: “One of the worst things you can do is to be a cultural appropriator.”

He elaborated that while fostering a platform that invites people to contribute and expand ie-spdeas is valuable, appropriating elements from other cultures and using them as your own is problematic.

Morley stressed that collaboration and diversity are key to elevating a brand. He said that within a single brand framework, one can showcase a multitude of voices in various ways, adding that a distinctive mix of backgrounds and industries transforms the brand from a mere “copy and paste” entity into an inclusive “platform for expression.”

Nicola Mizon, COO and co-founder of Kutur Runway and Vitza DGTL, discussed the increasing efforts by fashion brands to integrate into the esports sector through advanced technology. He noted that there is a growing demand for audiences “to look their best.

“We want to create a fashion gaming platform that’s at the intersection of technology, commerce, and games and bring everyone together to celebrate the art of fashion in the digital space,” he said.

This involves engaging in discussions with local designers and creators to understand their needs for a gaming platform that allows them to feel celebrated and unrestricted in their creative expression, such as crafting innovative concepts like “dresses made of fire.”

Expanding the discussion on integrating fashion within both cultural and digital contexts, Reem Al-Kanhal, fashion designer and creative director of brand Reem AlKanhal, said: “Fashion is connected to everything.”

Al-Kanhal emphasized that, given the extensive time newer generations spend online, it is crucial to integrate cultural elements — such as traditional wardrobes and national landmarks — into games for the sake of cultural preservation.

She concluded: “I think (that) owning your story is your power,” highlighting its significance for personal ambition and maintaining cultural connections.


Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia
Updated 08 August 2024
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Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia

Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia
  • The USA-Middle East based NBXL has partnered with the MENA division of sports rights agency Redstrike Global

RIYADH: NBXL, the world’s first USA-Middle East independent professional basketball league, has announced a strategic partnership with Redstrike Arabia.

This partnership marks a milestone in NBXL’s Middle East expansion strategy, particularly in Saudi Arabia where it plans to introduce the franchise’s fourth team.

Christian Villar, founder and owner of NBXL, highlighted how the partnership aligned with NBXL’s goal of extending its reach in the region. He also emphasized its potential to transform professional basketball, especially in Saudi Arabia, which is rapidly becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment.

This initiative promises to unlock new opportunities, spur innovation and enhance visibility, benefiting athletes and fans alike.

Saad Houtan, executive partner of Redstrike Arabia, the newly established Gulf Cooperation Council and Middle East and North Africa region division of sporting agency Redstrike Global, said he was enthusiastic about the partnership’s potential to support the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

“This partnership is a significant step towards fostering a business relationship that not only meets the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 but also promotes sustainable growth and innovation in the region,” he said.


Taekwondo star Dunya Abu Taleb falls short in quest for historic medal

Dunya Abutaleb facing off against Israel’s Abishag Semberg. supplied
Dunya Abutaleb facing off against Israel’s Abishag Semberg. supplied
Updated 07 August 2024
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Taekwondo star Dunya Abu Taleb falls short in quest for historic medal

Dunya Abutaleb facing off against Israel’s Abishag Semberg. supplied
  • Abutaleb has previously earned a bronze medal at the World Championships and achieved a career-high global ranking of No. 4

PARIS: In a highly anticipated match on Wednesday, taekwondo star Dunya Abu Taleb was defeated by top-ranked Panipak Wongpattanakit in the -49kg category quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

She had another chance via the repechage round and entered the bronze medal match against Mobina Nematzadeh later on Wednesday, but fell just short of medal glory.

The 27-year-old from Riyadh had been poised to make history as Saudi Arabia’s first female Olympic medalist, having previously taken a bronze medal at the World Championships and achieved a career-high global ranking of No. 4.

Her performance at the Games drew significant attention and marked her as a strong contender

Earlier in the competition, Abu Taleb demonstrated her skill and resilience by defeating Israel’s Abishag Semberg in the first bout, advancing her to the quarterfinals. However, despite a commendable effort, she was unable to overcome reigning Olympic champion Wongpattanakit.

Her journey to the Paris Olympics has been a testament to her dedication and skill, and although this setback is disappointing, her performance continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for Saudi sports.

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Ten years after the genocide, their torment continues
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New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes

New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes
Updated 05 August 2024
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New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes

New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes
  • The conference is scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
  • A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming

Riyadh: The New Global Sport Conference 2024, with the theme “The Future of Fandom,” will welcome more than 60 speakers and more than 750 delegates from sectors including gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business and investment.

Scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, the conference will feature discussions on fan engagement in sports and esports, the changing landscape of fandom, and its impact on the future of sports and entertainment.

A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming. Speakers will address the global debate about the positioning, value and impact of esports athletes.

With more than 3.4 billion gamers worldwide and an estimated 234 million esports athletes, competitive gaming has become a global phenomenon. Esports athletes exhibit the same dedication, discipline and physical skills as traditional sports stars, with rigorous training, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Esports is not just a game; it is a movement that is reshaping the landscape of sports and entertainment. The New Global Sport Conference is a testament to the growth and importance of this industry, and a recognition of the stardom of esports athletes and the unmatched passion of esports fans. The conference and the visionaries attending it from all over the world will enable impactful discussions, networking, and collaboration to drive forward the future of esports.”

Meanwhile, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “Esports athletes have proven time and again that they possess the same qualities as traditional sports stars. They train hard, compete fiercely, and inspire millions of fans around the world.

“The New Global Sport Conference is crucial in recognizing their contributions and setting the stage for the future of sports. Esports athletes are real athletes, esports fans are as passionate and loyal as any sports fans, and esports is the new global sport.” 

NGSC aims to foster dialogue, partnership and innovation as traditional sports and esports merge. The conference will explore how esports and traditional sports can coexist and enrich the global sports community.

Building on the success of its inaugural event, NGSC will feature sessions on the challenges and opportunities in creating a new global sporting legacy, the role of technology in competitive gaming, and storytelling in esports.

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